Garner's Greek Mythology

Patrick Garner

A unique view of mythology ... Join best-selling author and mythologist Patrick Garner as he explores the Greek gods — Zeus, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena, Poseidon, Ares and others — and offers rare insights into who these divine beings were — and uniquely, what became of them!

Heard in more than 190 countries, Garner's Greek Mythology is now in its 5th season!

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72 episodes
Updated June 3

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Episodes72

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June 3 · 20 min
EP 72 — The Golden Bough
The tale of The Golden Bough startled people in 1890 when mythologist Sir James George Fraser claimed human sacrifice was practiced in the heart of the Roman Empire. In this episode, we take our time machine back to 15 AD to see for ourselves! Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
April 12 · 20 min
EP 71 -- Beyond The Grave
What happened to the Greeks after death? What did other people in 500 BC believe? In this episode, we look at the afterworld of Greeks, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Buddhists and Chinese. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
January 29 · 25 min
EP 70 — The Gods in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations
The great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius kept a private diary during his endless military campaigns against the empire’s invaders. A new translation of this important text is now out and prominently features the Greek gods. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Nov 21, 2025 · 23 min
EP 69 — Odysseus Takes the Long Way Home
The hero of the Odyssey and the Trojan War has to navigate treacherous waters and deities on his 10-year journey home. We join Odysseus for part of it. Meet Circe, the Sirens, and the sea monsters that slow his passage. If the trip had been ranked on a travel website, it would have gotten a negative rating. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Jul 19, 2025 · 25 min
EP 68 — A Shaman in Ancient Greece
A shaman suddenly appears in ancient Greece to proclaim that Pythagoras, the founder of philosophy, is divine. Behind the scenes, Apollo lurks. Listen as the Greeks are shocked at what unfolds! Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Apr 10, 2025 · 27 min
EP 67: Strange & Obscure Tales (revised)
EP 67 — Strange & Obscure Tales Four tales in one episode, all little known. Each focuses on the relationship between gods and men. One may well reveal the origin of werewolves. Come play with Zeus, Demeter, Artemis and Hermes. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Apr 2, 2025 · 24 min
EP 66: Aphrodite & The Golden Apple
This episode looks at the infamous Judgment of Paris, which sounds like a French court decision, but was actually a beauty contest between Greek goddesses! Join Hera, Athene and Aphrodite for the lead-up to the Trojan War and all the chaos that followed. And we re-introduce the goddess Eris, a nasty purveyor of war and destruction. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Jan 19, 2025 · 25 min
EP 65: In Plain Sight
This episode looks in depth at the unexpected themes of Greek pottery and how gods and heroes are depicted. We also examine the strange effigies of the god Hermes. You’ll meet a Hermes unlike any you’ve encountered. This episode is also unusual in that it is not suitable for underage listeners. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Dec 24, 2024 · 19 min
EP 64: Artemis & the Ouija Board
Engaging one night with an old Ouija board, podcaster Patrick Garner conjures up the ancient goddess Artemis. Over the course of many hours, the goddess remembers Athena, Poseidon, Hecate, her brother Apollo and other divinities. The episode is largely narrated by a new voice, Lily, an urbane English woman who has long been enthralled by mythology. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Nov 27, 2024 · 20 min
EP 63: Nyx, The Darkest Goddess
Nyx. the goddess of night, appeared before the Olympic gods, even before the Titans. Her progeny were almost all beings of terror and dread, and included Doom, Death, Sleep, Dreams, Blame, Misery, The Fates, Retribution, Old Age and Strife. Yet as terrifying as her family was, civilization may have resulted from their enforcement of the natural order. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Aug 16, 2024 · 25 min
EP 62: When Zeus Came Knocking
When Zeus Came Knocking A visit by Zeus and Hermes to an old couple’s home in ancient Greece sparked a tradition that goes on even today. All ancient Greeks knew that hospitality to strangers could bring fortune. Inhospitality could lead to divine punishment. Violation of this tradition led to the Trojan war. Its unusual name — philoxenia — was one known to all Greeks. Listen as we encounter Hermes, Athene, Zeus, Demeter, Dionysus, Poseidon and the great hero Odysseus. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Jul 4, 2024 · 25 min
EP 61 — In Love's Crosshairs: Psyche & Eros
What happens when Eros, the mischievous son of the goddess Aphrodite, sees Psyche, the most beautiful woman in the world? Star-crossed love, of course! Travel in our time machine back to ancient Greece and follow the timeless story of these two lovers. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Jun 4, 2024 · 25 min
EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook
EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook Of all the Greek city-states,Thebes was the one most soaked in blood and ancient curses. There, the hero Heracles had killed his wife and children. There, the god Dionysus punished the city’s king. There too the infamous Oedipus played out his grim fate. These events defined the city’s past. Then in 335 BC, Alexander the Great surrounded Thebes and brought it to its final end. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novels about the gods, The Winnowing and Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
May 16, 2024 · 29 min
EP 59: Artemis Redux
In this latest episode, we revisit the towering goddess Artemis, who reveled in the hunt, yet also protected girls, women and young animals. Of all the divinities, she was the most paradoxical. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novels about the gods, The Winnowing and Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Apr 28, 2024 · 25 min
EP 58: Pericles' Funeral Oration
In this latest episode, we listen to a portion of the greatest speeches of all time, Pericles’ famous funeral oration. Inspired by the goddess Athene, it was given by this Athenian statesman at the end of the first year of the war between Athens and Sparta. As citizens assemble to bury their sons and fathers — warriors lost in defense of the city — Pericles recites all that is great and good about their immortal achievements. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novels about the gods, The Winnowing and Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Jan 18, 2024 · 21 min
EP 57: How The Gods Began
For almost 60 episodes, I’ve talked about the glory of the Greeks during the golden years of ancient Greece. I’ve also talked about when worship of the gods ended. In this new episode we go back to the beginning, to the so-called Dark Ages of Greece, to the time when the gods first revealed themselves to humans. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Oct 30, 2023 · 20 min
EP 56: Do This To Live A Good Life
EP 56: Do this to live a good life The Greek world centered around Delphi for two reasons. One — the world’s most famous oracle resided there. Two — the secrets to a good life were carved into the marble sides of Apollo’s temple. One had only to walk the temple grounds to gain the priceless insights. In this episode we look at some the 147 maxims, including Know Thyself and Everything in Moderation. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, now available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Oct 18, 2023 · 19 min
EP 55: The Mysterious Goddess of Persuasion
In the politics of Athens' new democracy, one goddess reined supreme: Peitho. She was the unheralded goddess of persuasion. Her influence brought down the philosopher Socrates. She could make any man silver-tongued, and all of her favorites became powerful orators. Join us as we meet this powerful — and divine — female. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, now available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
Sep 18, 2023 · 22 min
EP 54: The Gods of Alexander the Great
There’s nothing like divine intervention to ensure success. Of course, things can go badly when it ends. Follow Alexander’s 10-year military career that earned him the moniker “Alexander the Great.” If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, now available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com
May 1, 2023 · 20 min
EP 53: The Doomed Love of Orpheus and Eurydice
Orpheus, Apollo’s son, became famous for his extraordinary music and poetry. As talented as he was, he was unable to find love. But one golden afternoon he saw Eurydice, a beautiful nymph. The two fell in love. But their love was fated to be short. When Eurydice died, Orpheus descended to Hades’ underworld to bring her back. There he succeeded — and failed. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods, Homo Divinitas, now available on Amazon.com and Audible.com. Feedback? Send me a text! Support the show Email any suggestions to patrickgarner@me.com